Arvada Acupuncture, Colorado ~ Bai Ying Alternative Healing Arts

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated about 5000 years ago with the ancient Taoist, who viewed not just the universe, but the body as well, and saw how all things are unified. With the body every aspect is part of the whole; body, mind and spirit, and a reflection of the universe. Whereas Western/allopathic medicine tends to view the body as individual parts, therefore separates and isolates the disease from the person. You can say that TCM is the original Holistic Medicine.

TCM utilizes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, moxabustion, cupping, Qi gong, diet, exercise, and gua sha as the main forms of treatment.

TCM has proven itself for centuries as an excellent healing tool for maintaining optimum health, treating diseases and preventing illness. It's use is effective for physical, psychological and emotional problems.

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is based on stimulating or sedating the universal life energy called Qi that runs through the body. Qi (pronounced chee) circulates throughout the body in a specific way, uniting the various organs together, by pathways we call meridians. Along those meridians are points where the Qi comes closest to the skin and are where we can access the Qi most effectively, these points are know as the acupoints.

When the Qi flow is unobstructed then health is maintained, but once that flow is changed; either obstructed or unregulated, then the whole body system is distrupted and illness will eventually occur. Imagine a river that is either dammed up or becomes a flood, with either of those there is damaged caused to the natural flow. In the body that shows up as pain, stiffness, or illness.

Acupuncture stimulates the Qi flow so that balance can be restored, by inserting very thin needles into the acupoints in combination to address not just the main symptoms but the root cause as well.

What can Traditional Chinese Medicine treat?
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of a few health concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnosis and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.

What is Qi?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to Animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

How does Qi travel?
Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridian pathways (or channels) throughout the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants and people. In the same way, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle.

When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires to function optimally.

What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, guantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi.

Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.

What will my treatment be like?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. I will also check your pulses and your tongure and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits may last from 30 to 90 minutes.

Why do you want to feel my pulses?
There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that I will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. I will be looking for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

Why do you want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. I will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum one month of weekly treatments to see significant changes.

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. I may suggest one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal "tune ups" depending on your condition.

What should I expect during my treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the "Qi sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Come with any questions you have - I am here to help you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situation. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.

Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, just a little larger than a catÕs whisker or a human hair.

How deep do they go?
The depth of the insertion varies. For example, your acupuncturist will use a needling technique that is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8" to 1 1/2".

How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feeling of relaxation and well-being. There is a little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then discarded.

Is acupuncture safe for children?
Yes! In some instances children actually respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, I may just massage the acupuncture points (this is called acupressure or tuina), use a needle tube of a point stimulator.

What is the difference between an Acupuncturist and a Doctor who "does" acupuncture?
To become an Acupuncturist, a student attends a graduate school program in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 3 - 4 years. After graduation, the students sits for the National exam given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which is the ONLY national board examination, CERTIFYING Acupuncturists in the U.S.A.

A Minimum of 1,800 hours of Chinese Medical Education and supervised clinical training is required to sit for this exam. Currently, the requirement to sit for this exam is graduation from an Chinese Medical School, most of which are 2,200+ hour programs. It is a two-day test of written and practical Acupuncture skills and theory.

An Acupuncturist, after passing the NCCAOM is awarded the title "Diplomate of Acupuncture of the NCCAOM" (Dipl. Ac.). Certification is renewed every four years with the requirement of completing at least 60 hours of continuing education.

The Colorado State Department of Regulatory Agencies regulate acupuncture, in the State of Colorado. Only those who pass the NCCAOM exam are awarded the title of "Licensed Acupuncturist" (L.Ac.)

As for Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathy, or Chiropractors who "Do Acupuncture", here is their breakdown of training in acupuncture:

Chiropractors: need only 100 hours of training, review 25 case histories and NO examination to legally perform acupuncture in Colorado.

Medical Doctors (M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.): have NO minimum requirements for doing acupuncture in Colorado. They call themselves "Medical Acupuncturists".

There is a class at U.C.L.A. especially for physicians to learn acupuncture, it is ONLY 350 hours.

What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscles layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. In this therapy, I would just place small glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug, but there is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate. (however please let me know if you bruise easily)

What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.

What is Tui Na?
Tui Na translates as "push grasp." It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and to heal injuries.

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt or on a slice of ginger. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process.

Why do you recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. I may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full benefits acupuncture has to offer. I like to think of acupuncture sort of like a jump start, but the herbal medicine keeps the engine running.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Insurance coverage varies from company to company. Contact your insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. I will also call to verify your coverage, but here are a few questions you should find out for yourself:

Will my plan cover acupuncture?
How many visits per calendar year?
Do I need a referral?
Do I have a co-pay?
Do I have a deductible? If yes, has it been met?